Second-Guessing Obama
Letter to Chris Matthews & Friends
Dear Chris:
You are correct, hundreds of qualified people did not just come out of hiding to fill important posts and surprise you with that kind of ’change’. Get real, and imagine what you would discuss, ruminate and conclude on your show about the appointment, to critical posts, of unfamiliar people who have no record of experience. Even ‘creative appointments from the private sector’, like a Warren Buffet to Treasury, are rarely wise or pragmatic, and you and your panel would hyper-ventilate at potential conflicts of interest.
You are in search of the same old “Hardball Fodder” you are used to having because you’re lazy and not self-examined. Suggestion: ‘Change’ your show for a change.
Change is in the simple competency of matching the qualified to the position that will be most effective for all of us. Change is having the ability to know to look ahead and plan for the likely crises down the road. Change is doing what you say you are going to do, and not doing it at anyone else’s pace. Change is being an example of what you espouse because, for you, those have been words to live by. Do unto others, forgive those who trespass and turn the other cheek. Empathy is not naiveté, sympathy or weakness. To be grudge-free, and coldly clear-headed, in order to effectively consider the entire field of players and thinkers for their potential in an important role is wise for all concerned. You are mercurial. Don’t forget what you claim to admire in Barack Obama, although I presumed for you, that it is his patience, wisdom and judgement. Obama’s success will be measured bottom up. If a few television shows fail because they can’t adapt, so be it. That’s change.
